New research projects cement Aberdeen’s position as leading institution for research on The North
The University of Aberdeen is launching a new, cross-disciplinary research theme on The North which will place the institution at the forefront of research throughout the northern circumpolar regions.
The North has been adopted as a strategic priority by the University and is an area in which the institution is already achieving world-class distinction, across a range of disciplines in all three Colleges.
Univerisity of Aberdeen news (4 May 2012)
New money for research to halt honey bee killer
A major investment from public and private sector organisations is helping scientists to develop completely new ways of tackling the biggest killer of honey bees worldwide – the bloodsucking Varroa destructor mite.
Dr Alan Bowman, who is heading up the research, said: “Honey bees are incredibly important because of their pollination of flowers of both wild and farmed plants. But their numbers are seriously declining year on year and while there are probably several reasons for this, one of the most important factors is Varroa destructor that sucks the blood from bees and transmits serious viral diseases."
University of Aberdeen news (11 Apr 2012).
Related news:
- Institute scientist wins Spirit of Scotland Award University of Aberdeen news (01 Dec 11).
- Glenfiddich's Spirit of Scotland Award.
- Link to video "5 minutes with Dr. Alan Bowman"
- Alan has been included in Esquire magazine's list of the "20 men who will shape the next 20 years". Link to University of Aberdeen news (15 Apr 2011).
- Genetic weapon developed against honeybee-killer University of Aberdeen news (22 Dec 10).
Aberdeen scientists in major study of deep sea life
Aberdeen scientists are part of a major international collaboration which will conduct the first systematic study of life in the deepest marine habitat on Earth - ocean trenches, which are regions of the sea floor ranging from 19,685 to 36,089 feet or 6,000 to 11,000 metres. The Institute's Oceanlab is contributing some of their deep sea expertise and technology.
University of Aberdeen news (02 Apr 2012).
Climate change study warns against one-off experiments
Climate change research conducted by the University of Aberdeen and Marine Scotland Science highlights the risks of conducting an experiment only once. A team led by Dr Daniel Mayor, an Independent Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab, investigated how future global warming and ocean acidification scenarios affected the health of copepod eggs.
University of Aberdeen news (21 Feb 2012).
‘Supergiant’ amphipods discovered 7 km deep
An expedition to one of the deepest places in the ocean has discovered one of the most enigmatic creatures in the deep sea - the ‘supergiant’ amphipod. Link to University of Aberdeen news (2 Feb 2012).
Aberdeen shares in multi-million pound investment in bioscience skills and training
The University of Aberdeen will share in £67million of new funding for postgraduate training and development in biosciences announced by the UK government today. Link to University of Aberdeen news (24 Jan).
Institute scientist wins Spirit of Scotland Award
Institute's Dr Alan Bowman has scooped a Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland award for his pioneering work which could halt the global decline of the honey bee.
Link to University of Aberdeen news (01 Dec 11).
Related news:
- Glenfiddich's Spirit of Scotland Award.
- Link to video "5 minutes with Dr. Alan Bowman"
- Alan has been included in Esquire magazine's list of the "20 men who will shape the next 20 years". Link to University of Aberdeen news (15 Apr 2011).
- Genetic weapon developed against honeybee-killer University of Aberdeen news (22 Dec 10).
Controversies of ocean science in spotlight as world marine experts arrive in Aberdeen
Experts with opposing views on some of most critical issues facing the planet will be in Aberdeen next week at a major international gathering of 1,000 marine scientists. The World Conference on Marine Biodiversity has been brought to Scotland by the Universities of Aberdeen and St Andrews, and takes place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre between September 26 and 30.
Link to University of Aberdeen news (21 Sept 2011)
Six Aberdeen academics in new RSE Young Academy of Scotland
Six academics at the University of Aberdeen have been chosen to be among the first members of the The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Young Academy of Scotland. This exciting development is the first of its kind in the UK and will be part of a growing movement of Young Academies across the world.
Strikingly, three of the six are from the Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences : Dr Mirela Delibegovic, RCUK Research Fellow in Integrative Physiology, Dr David Lusseau, MASTS Senior Lecturer in Marine Top Predator Biology and Dr Jane Reid, Royal Society University Research Fellow in Ecology.
- Link to University of Aberdeen news (06 Sept 2011)
- Royal Society of Edinburgh Young Academy of Scotland
- Young Academy Launch photos (29 Nov 11)
Aberdeen research contributes to formal identification of an entirely new class of fungi
Institute researcher Dr Gwen-Aëlle Grelet (part of the international team) has contributed to culturing, characterising and formally naming a new class of fungi that previously had only been identified through DNA sequencing from environmental samples. The new fungal class Archaeorhizomyces, previously known as Soil Clone Group 1 (SCG1), has been found in more than 50 ecological studies of soil fungi world-wide. The report, which appeared in the August 12 edition of Science, predicts as many as 250 species in the description of the new class.
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (05 Aug 2011).
Link to Science magazine report.
New University spinout to help human and animal health
A new biotech company has been spun out of the University of Aberdeen to provide new ‘tools’ to help researchers trying to understand the biology and process of diseases that affect humans and animals. Vertebrate Antibodies (VAb) Limited will produce and commercialise antibodies - which are created within the laboratory and mimic antibodies produced naturally in our own bodies - for life sciences researchers.
Over the last two years, a trio of researchers at the University of Aberdeen — fish immunologist Steve Bird, experienced antibody developer Beatriz Cash (pictured) and biotech commercialisation expert Ayham Alnabulsi (pictured)- have honed the technique of antibody production to make it cost effective, less complicated for researchers and applicable to a range of different animals as well as people. VAb will continue to work towards developing antibodies for human research but will provide a more extensive service for researchers working in animal health.
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (05 Aug 2011).
Vertebrate Antibodies will operate from the University’s College of Life Sciences and Medicine, and more information is available here http://www.vertebrateantibodies.com/.
Oceanlab Prof. awarded the Beverton Medal by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
Prof. Monty Priede from the Institute's Oceanlab, has been awarded the Beverton Medal by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles. The award will be presented to Monty at an upcoming FSBI Symposium being held in Bournemouth from 18-22 July.
The Beverton is awarded to "a distinguished scientist for a lifelong contribution to all aspects of the study of fish biology and/or fisheries science, with a focus on ground-breaking research". Monty joins a list of renowned fisheries scientists including R.J.H. Beverton, J.H.S. Blaxter and J.E. Thorpe. Here is a description of the FSBI medals: http://www.fsbi.org.uk/medals/ (14 Jul 2011).
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (03 Aug 2011).
Fish farm location determines environmental impacts
The environmental efficiency of Scottish fish farms could potentially be increased by carefully selecting their locations, according to a University of Aberdeen study.
Researchers say decision makers who approve the location and size of fish farms would benefit from a better understanding of how current speed relates to seabed sediment-type and the communities of organisms living there: Interactions between these variables appear to have a role in determining how a fish farm impacts on the natural environment.
Lead researcher Dr Daniel Mayor, from the University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab, said: “The physical properties of the seabed, and also the communities of organisms that are found there, play a role in determining how a fish farm impacts on the natural environment.
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (12 Jul 2011).
New £3.28m project to examine sustainability of bioenergy crops within the UK
The University of Aberdeen is part of a seven-member consortium project led by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) to study the impact of bioenergy crop land-use changes on soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Pete Smith, Royal Society-Wolfson Professor of Soils & Global Change at the Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, is leading the modelling work for the project. He said: “I am very excited about the ELUM project. We need to be creative in meeting our tough greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and in ensuring energy security for the UK in a changing world. Bioenergy may well form an important part of our energy future, and it is essential that we quantify the likely impact of bioenergy on greenhouse gas emissions, so that we can establish best practice to get the best out of the opportunities that bioenergy offers. The University of Aberdeen is leading the modelling component of this project, so we will be scoping out how to optimise bioenergy for the future."
Link to University of Aberdeen news (15 Jun 2011).
Aberdeen academics recognised for achievements and excellence
Six researchers at the University of Aberdeen have been recognised for their work in the fields of public health, microbiology and biological sciences. They include two scientists from this Institute:
Professor Xavier Lambin, Professor of Ecology, has been awarded a Leverhulme Research Fellowship. The funding will allow him to expand on his high profile work using population ecology and involvement of people from local communities to conserve native species and protect biodiversity sustainably and over very large scales. [Scroll down to 1st Feb 2011 to see related recent news, "New project to create northern safe haven for salmon, birds and water voles."]
Dr Sandra Telfer, Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellow, has received a highly prestigious five-year Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship in Basic Biomedical Science which provides the funding to build upon her work on disease dynamics in wild animal populations by examining how environmental and socioeconomic factors determine the risks of disease transmission from animals to humans in Madagascar. [Scroll down to 8th Oct 2010 to see related recent news, "Web of parasite interactions uncovered, published in Science magazine."]
Link to University of Aberdeen news (31 May 2011).
Scientist included in list of men shaping future
The Institute's Dr. Alan Bowman has been included in Esquire magazine’s list of the “20 men who will shape the next 20 years”.
The senior lecturer was included because some of his research — also involving the University of Aberdeen’s Dr Ewan Campbell and Dr Giles Budge at the National Bee Unit — is trying to protect the endangered honey bee which has been declining by as much as 30 per cent a year.
- Link to University of Aberdeen news (15 Apr 2011).
- Unknown Scots boffin hailed as world saviour thanks to his work to stop honey bees dying out - Daily Record (19 Apr 2011).
- Scroll down on this page to story from 22nd Dec 2010, "Genetic weapon developed against honeybee-killer."
- Find out more about Dr. Alan Bowman here.
Life photographed at Europe’s deepest point
Scientists from the Institute's Oceanlab have photographed for the first time fish and shrimps at Europe’s deepest point — 5111 metres or 3.2 miles deep below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.
.
Link to University of Aberdeen news (14 Apr 2011).
New shrimp named after Oceanlab scientist
It’s white, around 6cm long and has so far only been seen scuttling across the soft sediment floor five to six miles below the world’s deepest ocean. It’s a new species of shrimp and it’s been named Princaxelia jamiesoni after the scientist Dr Alan Jamieson from the Institute's Oceanlab who discovered it in trenches at the bottom of the North West Pacific Ocean. Link to University of Aberdeen news (3 Mar 2011).
Vice-Principal receives his OBE
Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice-Principal for Research and Commercialisation at the University of Aberdeen, received his OBE at last week's Royal Investiture at Buckingham Palace. He said at the time: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this, as everyone can imagine. My whole professional life has been in universities and research institutes and it has been a privilege to teach undergraduates and do research with postgraduates and other colleagues."
- Link to University of Aberdeen news (1 Mar 2011).
- Also link to University of Aberdeen news (12 June 2010).
New project to create northern safe haven for salmon, birds and water voles
A new wildlife conservation initiative aiming to protect nationally significant and economically important populations of salmon, water voles, and ground nesting birds like greenshank and lapwing, by creating a safe haven free of American mink in north Scotland is set to commence in April, it was announced today (1 February 2011).
Thanks to support from funders including Cairngorms, Highland, Moray, Rural Aberdeenshire and Rural Tayside LEADER Programmes 2007 and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) through the Species Action Framework, over £920,000 has now been raised to get the partnership initiative between Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS), Scottish Wildlife Trust, the University of Aberdeen, SNH and more than 16 other organisations, off the ground.
Led by a project coordinator, the project will build on previous projects — such as the success of work in the Cairngorms led by the Institute of Biological & Environmental Science’s Professor Xavier Lambin who is also invoved in this new project - and is set to appoint four regionally-based community officers covering the Highlands, rural Aberdeenshire, rural Tayside, and Moray and the Cairngorms.
- Link to University of Aberdeen News
- Link to BBC News - Science & Environment (including videoclip)
- Link to original article in Biological Conservation
Study gives new insights into links between estuary creatures and ecosystem
Creatures that live in the muddy sediments of estuaries have given Aberdeen scientists new insights into how critical the relationship between organisms, and the structure of the habitat they live in, is for the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem. Dr Jasmin Godbold, from the Institute's Oceanlab, led the research and Dr Martin Solan, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology, is one of the co-authors of the research.
University of Aberdeen news (12 Jan 11).
Genetic weapon developed against honeybee-killer
Researchers (led by Dr Alan Bowman from the University of Aberdeen and Dr Giles Budge from the National Bee Unit in York), have developed a genetic technique which could revitalise the fight against the honeybee's worst enemy - the Varroa mite. The Varroa mite, which looks like a tiny brown crab is believed to be the biggest global killer of honeybees.
Link to BBC Earth News and BBC Radio 4 interview (no longer available) with Dr. Alan Bowman.
University of Aberdeen news (22 Dec 10).
European Commission recognises University’s investment in researchers’ careers
The University of Aberdeen has been awarded the 'HR Excellence in Research' badge by the European Commission for its work to implement the UK Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. This makes the University one of only 23 institutions in the UK - and of only 15 in the rest of Europe - to have gained this recognition for commitment to ensuring good working conditions and career development for research staff.
Examples of this commitment include the Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences own RCUK fellows Dr. Steve Bird and Dr. Mirela Delibegovic, NERC Advanced Fellows Dr. Liz Baggs, Dr. Dave Johnson and Dr. Graeme Nicol, Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellow Dr. Sandra Telfer, Royal Society University Research Fellow Dr. Jane Reid and British Heart Foundation Intermediate Basic Research Fellow Dr. Nimesh Mody. Drs. Bird, Baggs and Johnson have completed their respective fellowships and are now lecturers within the School of Biological Sciences.
Link to University of Aberdeen news. (17 Dec 2010)
Researchers pinpoint ‘trigger’ mechanism which means animals are prepared for the season whatever the weather
Aberdeen scientists have identified the key trigger mechanism in the ‘internal clocks’ of animals which means they are prepared for the season whether snow comes in November or the sun shines in March.
The research team, led Dr Hugues Dardente and Professor David Hazlerigg at the University of Aberdeen, has pinpointed the ‘switch’ controlling seasonal hormone production, based on the changing daily cycle of light and darkness.
Link to University of Aberdeen news. (2nd Dec 2010)
Royal Society of Edinburgh International Exchange programme
Read excerpts from reports of International Exchange visits (Dr David Burslem, Plant Ecology) and Joint projects (Dr Jun Zou, Fish Immunology) supported by the RSE International Programme.
Link to RSE pdf document.
Full document available @ RSE newsletter/archive/Autumn2010.
Great white sharks in Mediterranean
Great white sharks found in the Mediterranean were originally from Australia, researchers have discovered. A navigational error, possibly by a few pregnant females, around 450,000 years ago during a time of global climate change, probably prompted them to take a ‘wrong turn’, according to research published today (Wednesday, November 17) in Proceedings of the Royal Society B led by Dr Les Noble and Dr Cathy Jones, shark geneticists from the Instiute of Biological & Environmental Sciences.
Researchers investigate what makes tree mallow turn nasty
Dr René van der Wal and Louise Ross, from the Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, are trying to find out why tree mallow — a close relative of attractive garden plant ‘Lavatera’— has become so invasive on seabird islands of the Firth of Forth, threatening Scottish puffins and other seabirds. Link to University of Aberdeen news (09 Nov 2010)
Scientists discover new species in one of world’s deepest ocean trenches
Scientists investigating in one of the world’s deepest ocean trenches — previously thought to be void of fish - have discovered an entirely new species. The findings by a team of marine biologists from our Oceanlab, Tokyo and New Zealand, have shed new light on life in the deepest places on Earth and the global distribution of fish in our oceans. Link to University of Aberdeen news (14 Oct 2010)
Web of parasite interactions uncovered, published in Science magazine
We live under constant assault from a variety of pathogens. Pathogen exposure will be more or less harmful depending on host factors, including immune status, and, as Dr Sandra Telfer and colleagues point out, the presence of co-infecting pathogens. In a time-series study of wild voles and four pathogens, co-infection had a larger effect on disease than any other factor. For example, infection with cowpox virus increased susceptibility and prolonged bacterial co-infections. Conversely, an ongoing infection with the bacterium Anaplasma reduced the rodents' susceptibility to the protozoan Babesia. In turn, chronic infection with Babesia limited susceptibilityto the bacterium Bartonella. (8 Oct 2010)
See article in Science magazine and Perspective by Kevin Lafferty.
Planet Earth online - news, from the Natural Environment Research Council
Iconic bottlenose dolphins add £4 million to Scottish economy, new report shows
The income from tourism spending in Scotland due to the presence of the east coast bottlenose dolphin population is at least £4 million, according to a new survey report published today by the Moray Firth Partnership.....The report findings are based on a survey of 529 visitors in east coast locations in 2009, and carried out by University of Aberdeen researchers based at the Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability (ACES). Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 Oct 2010)
Scientist appointed Editor-in-Chief of newly launched journal "Small GTPases"
Dr. Michael J. Williams of the Integrative Physiology theme has been appointed Editor-in-Chief "Small GTPases"journal . The newly launched journal covers a broad range of aspects concerning small GTPase research, such as the cell biology and biochemistry of small GTPases, their regulators and effectors in health and disease, and will aim to publish manuscripts at the forefront of the small GTPase field. Specific topics of focus include the structural biology of small GTPases, their biochemical regulation, as well as their individual and collective cell biological functions. Processes of major interest are cell migration, cell growth, cell division, metastasis, and host-pathogen interactions. Read more
Seeking new insights into the timing of salmon migration.
Two scientists from the Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Prof David Hazlerigg and Dr Sam Martin, and Dr Bill Jordan from London's Institute of Zoology are combining forces to investigate the control of salmon migration. The BBSRC and NERC are co-funding a new 4 year programme (£1.4M), entitled "The physiological and genomic basis to the timing of life history transitions in the Atlantic salmon". (24 Sept 2010)
The Atlantic salmon is regarded as a sentinel species of our fresh and marine water environment. For generations, people have been fascinated by their complex lifecycle during which juveniles migrate from their birthplaces in freshwater streams to distant ocean feeding grounds, and then return years later as adults to breed.
The juvenile migration takes place when 2-3 year old salmon "parr" have grown large enough to metamorphose into ocean- going, migratory "smolts". The timing of this change is crucial for survival, and is believed to depend on internal timing mechanisms synchronised by environmental signals, particularly day length. Different populations of salmon migrate at slightly different times depending on how far they are from the sea. This ensure they all arrive in the sea occurs in a narrow spring time-window, minimising predation losses. This demonstrates how subpopulations of salmon are locally adapted for their particular rivers.
Migration involves complex preparatory changes in physiology, controlled by a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary gland, and the olfactory system - through which salmon can "smell" their way home. The project will employ state of the art genomic technologies to understand how the hypothalamus controls the timing of the parr - smolt transition, and how it influences the function of the pituitary and olfactory system. The results from this work will help understand the biology of smolting in much greater detail than ever before. The project also involves collaborators working at Marine Scotland, who will provide salmon parr raised at their Almondbank hatchery.
School pupils get hands-on with science
Pupils from across Aberdeen city and shire, Moray and the Highlands are getting hands-on with science in the University of Aberdeen’s hi-tech laboratories. More than 250 Advanced Higher Biology students will take part in three days of workshops and lectures designed to give them a taste of life as a scientist, and student, within a university environment. Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 Sept 2010)
Secrets of the deep and food facts under the microscope
Scientists behind many ocean discoveries are giving the public the chance to check out some of the equipment that lets them explore the secrets of the deep. Oceanlab is just one of three University of Aberdeen facilities taking part in Techfest In September’s Technology at Work tours and visits. Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 Sept 2010)
Marine scientists return with rare creatures from the deep
Scientists from the University's Oceanlab have just returned from a voyage with samples of rare animals and more than 10 possible new species in a trip which they say has revolutionised their thinking about deep-sea life in the Atlantic Ocean. One group of creatures they observed - and captured - during their six weeks in the Atlantic aboard the RRS James Cook is believed to be close to the missing evolutionary link between backboned and invertebrate animals. Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 July 2010)
See previous story below (26 May 2010): ECOMAR blog from onboard the RRS James Cook heading towards the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
link to follow the ECOMAR blog.
UK science spotlights ocean acidification
The UK’s first research programme to investigate the impacts of ocean acidification has been launched involving 101 scientists from 21 of the UK’s top scientific institutions. Dr Martin Solan, from the University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab, is a task leader examining the effects of ocean acidification on an array of organisms that live in the seabed, including brittlestars, worms and clams. Link to University of Aberdeen news (23 June 2010)
Zoology Professor Receives OBE
Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice-Principal for Research and Commercialisation (and formerly Professor in Zoology with research interests in fish growth and metabolism) at the University of Aberdeen, has been awarded an OBE in The Queen's Birthday Honours. Responding to the news of his honour, Professor Houlihan said: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this, as everyone can imagine. Link to University of Aberdeen news (12 June 2010).
ECOMAR blog from onboard the RRS James Cook heading towards the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
On the 26th May 2010 a team from Oceanlab - Prof. Monty Priede, Dr Phil Bagley, Dr Mark Shields, Thom Linley and PhD student Jessica Craig boarded the RRS James Cook in St. John’s, Canada and set sail on Cruise JC048 towards the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Over the next few weeks you can gain an insight into what life at sea is like for a group of marine scientists studying deep-sea organisms found living in and around the Mid-Atlantic Ridge by clicking on the link and following the Blog page.
Award winning biologists explain ‘Darwin finch’ work
Two of the world’s foremost biologists — acclaimed for their work on Darwin’s finches on the Galapagos Islands — were at the University of Aberdeen on May 24, 2010. Professors Peter and Rosemary Grant — who won the hugely prestigious Kyoto prize for their research — gave a talk entitled Evolution and Speciation in Darwin’s Finches in the main lecture theatre of the University’s Zoology Building. Link to University of Aberdeen news (May 2010)
Fish farm size may not equate with environmental impact
Lead researcher, Dr Daniel Mayor from the Institute’s Oceanlab examined how the size of a fish farm relates to the size of its ‘environmental footprint’. They analysed data from 50 Scottish fish farms and found that larger fish farms do not necessarily have a greater effect on the sea floor than smaller fish farms. Link to University of Aberdeen news
Link to publication in scientific journal Environmental Science and Technology.
Aberdeen climate change expert to speak at post Copenhagen conference
New multi-million marine lab, Oceanlab 2, opens
January 2010 - The University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab is already leading groundbreaking studies into the world’s oceans as well as providing information on marine life in waters around Scotland. Now Oceanlab 2 — a brand new complex next door to the original Oceanlab at Newburgh — will enable scientists to do much more to further our understanding of the marine environment.
Cabinet Secretary opens new multi-million marine lab
University of Aberdeen news
Multi-million marine lab opened
Scottish Government news
Oceanlab 2 to tackle acidification
The Press & Journal
Deep sea marine lab opens new facility
STV news
and
MACAULAY LAND USE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Scientists see if climate impacts on soil carbon emissions
Almost half a million pounds has been awarded to scientists to allow them to see if climate change could impact on the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) released from Europe's soils.
The Natural Environment Research Council grant will enable Professor David Robinson and Professor Pete Smith from the Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, and Professor Pete Millard and Dr Andy Midwood of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, to test if soils are likely to release more CO2 if Europe's climate changes.
Increases in atmospheric CO2 are a main driver of climate change, and a potentially large source of CO2 is in the organic matter in soil. If the climate warms up or becomes wetter, this could encourage soil microbes to produce more CO2 into the atmosphere. The researchers will use a novel technique developed at the Macaulay Institute. This technique detects minute changes in the composition of soil CO2.
Professor Robinson said: "These small changes can indicate if the CO2 is being released from young organic matter – mainly dead plant remains – or from much older material: so-called 'historical' soil organic matter.
"If CO2 produced from the old organic matter outstrips that taken up by vegetation, it will contribute to the continuing CO2 increases in the atmosphere. We need to know the climatic conditions when this is likely to occur.
"Until our colleagues developed their new technique, it was impossible to measure that source of CO2 reliably. Now we can." Soil provides a vast reservoir into which CO2 taken up from the atmosphere by living plants is transferred when they die, and where it can be stored as organic matter for thousands of years.
But when soil is disturbed during vegetation burning or clearing, or if soil microbes respond to warmer climates, the release of CO2 from the large underground carbon stores can increase.
Professor Millard added: "We're delighted to join forces with the University of Aberdeen on this important research project. Many people know that CO2 is released from cars and factories, but emissions from soil are also an important factor contributing to climate change."
The research team will visit forest sites in continental Europe during the next two years, from Italy to Finland, to measure CO2 emissions across the widest range of climatic conditions. The potential impact of their results will be analysed back in Aberdeen using computer models that predict possible future climates.
As well as telling us more about how Europe's soils interact with climate, the project will provide information to guide Scottish and UK governments' and EU efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Controversies of ocean science in spotlight as world marine experts arrive in Aberdeen
Experts with opposing views on some of most critical issues facing the planet will be in Aberdeen next week at a major international gathering of 1,000 marine scientists. The World Conference on Marine Biodiversity has been brought to Scotland by the Universities of Aberdeen and St Andrews, and takes place at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre between September 26 and 30.
Link to University of Aberdeen news (21 Sept 2011)
Six Aberdeen academics in new RSE Young Academy of Scotland
Six academics at the University of Aberdeen have been chosen to be among the first members of the The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Young Academy of Scotland. This exciting development is the first of its kind in the UK and will be part of a growing movement of Young Academies across the world.
Strikingly, three of the six are from the Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences : Dr Mirela Delibegovic, RCUK Research Fellow in Integrative Physiology, Dr David Lusseau, MASTS Senior Lecturer in Marine Top Predator Biology and Dr Jane Reid, Royal Society University Research Fellow in Ecology.
Link to University of Aberdeen news (06 Sept 2011)
Aberdeen research contributes to formal identification of an entirely new class of fungi
Institute researcher Dr Gwen-Aëlle Grelet (part of the international team) has contributed to culturing, characterising and formally naming a new class of fungi that previously had only been identified through DNA sequencing from environmental samples. The new fungal class Archaeorhizomyces, previously known as Soil Clone Group 1 (SCG1), has been found in more than 50 ecological studies of soil fungi world-wide. The report, which appeared in the August 12 edition of Science, predicts as many as 250 species in the description of the new class.
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (05 Aug 2011).
Link to Science magazine report.
New University spinout to help human and animal health
A new biotech company has been spun out of the University of Aberdeen to provide new ‘tools’ to help researchers trying to understand the biology and process of diseases that affect humans and animals. Vertebrate Antibodies (VAb) Limited will produce and commercialise antibodies - which are created within the laboratory and mimic antibodies produced naturally in our own bodies - for life sciences researchers.
Over the last two years, a trio of researchers at the University of Aberdeen — fish immunologist Steve Bird, experienced antibody developer Beatriz Cash (pictured) and biotech commercialisation expert Ayham Alnabulsi (pictured)- have honed the technique of antibody production to make it cost effective, less complicated for researchers and applicable to a range of different animals as well as people. VAb will continue to work towards developing antibodies for human research but will provide a more extensive service for researchers working in animal health.
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (05 Aug 2011).
Vertebrate Antibodies will operate from the University’s College of Life Sciences and Medicine, and more information is available here http://www.vertebrateantibodies.com/.
Oceanlab Prof. awarded the Beverton Medal by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
Prof. Monty Priede from the Institute's Oceanlab, has been awarded the Beverton Medal by the Fisheries Society of the British Isles. The award will be presented to Monty at an upcoming FSBI Symposium being held in Bournemouth from 18-22 July.
The Beverton is awarded to "a distinguished scientist for a lifelong contribution to all aspects of the study of fish biology and/or fisheries science, with a focus on ground-breaking research". Monty joins a list of renowned fisheries scientists including R.J.H. Beverton, J.H.S. Blaxter and J.E. Thorpe. Here is a description of the FSBI medals: http://www.fsbi.org.uk/medals/ (14 Jul 2011).
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (03 Aug 2011).
Fish farm location determines environmental impacts
The environmental efficiency of Scottish fish farms could potentially be increased by carefully selecting their locations, according to a University of Aberdeen study.
Researchers say decision makers who approve the location and size of fish farms would benefit from a better understanding of how current speed relates to seabed sediment-type and the communities of organisms living there: Interactions between these variables appear to have a role in determining how a fish farm impacts on the natural environment.
Lead researcher Dr Daniel Mayor, from the University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab, said: “The physical properties of the seabed, and also the communities of organisms that are found there, play a role in determining how a fish farm impacts on the natural environment.
Link to full story @ University of Aberdeen news (12 Jul 2011).
New £3.28m project to examine sustainability of bioenergy crops within the UK
The University of Aberdeen is part of a seven-member consortium project led by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) to study the impact of bioenergy crop land-use changes on soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions.
Professor Pete Smith, Royal Society-Wolfson Professor of Soils & Global Change at the Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, is leading the modelling work for the project. He said: “I am very excited about the ELUM project. We need to be creative in meeting our tough greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and in ensuring energy security for the UK in a changing world. Bioenergy may well form an important part of our energy future, and it is essential that we quantify the likely impact of bioenergy on greenhouse gas emissions, so that we can establish best practice to get the best out of the opportunities that bioenergy offers. The University of Aberdeen is leading the modelling component of this project, so we will be scoping out how to optimise bioenergy for the future."
Link to University of Aberdeen news (15 Jun 2011).
Aberdeen academics recognised for achievements and excellence
Six researchers at the University of Aberdeen have been recognised for their work in the fields of public health, microbiology and biological sciences. They include two scientists from this Institute:
Professor Xavier Lambin, Professor of Ecology, has been awarded a Leverhulme Research Fellowship. The funding will allow him to expand on his high profile work using population ecology and involvement of people from local communities to conserve native species and protect biodiversity sustainably and over very large scales. [Scroll down to 1st Feb 2011 to see related recent news, "New project to create northern safe haven for salmon, birds and water voles."]
Dr Sandra Telfer, Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellow, has received a highly prestigious five-year Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship in Basic Biomedical Science which provides the funding to build upon her work on disease dynamics in wild animal populations by examining how environmental and socioeconomic factors determine the risks of disease transmission from animals to humans in Madagascar. [Scroll down to 8th Oct 2010 to see related recent news, "Web of parasite interactions uncovered, published in Science magazine."]
Link to University of Aberdeen news (31 May 2011).
Scientist included in list of men shaping future
The Institute's Dr. Alan Bowman has been included in Esquire magazine’s list of the “20 men who will shape the next 20 years”.
The senior lecturer was included because some of his research — also involving the University of Aberdeen’s Dr Ewan Campbell and Dr Giles Budge at the National Bee Unit — is trying to protect the endangered honey bee which has been declining by as much as 30 per cent a year.
- Link to University of Aberdeen news (15 Apr 2011).
- Unknown Scots boffin hailed as world saviour thanks to his work to stop honey bees dying out - Daily Record (19 Apr 2011).
- Scroll down on this page to story from 22nd Dec 2010, "Genetic weapon developed against honeybee-killer."
- Find out more about Dr. Alan Bowman here.
Life photographed at Europe’s deepest point
Scientists from the Institute's Oceanlab have photographed for the first time fish and shrimps at Europe’s deepest point — 5111 metres or 3.2 miles deep below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.
.Link to University of Aberdeen news (14 Apr 2011).
New shrimp named after Oceanlab scientist
It’s white, around 6cm long and has so far only been seen scuttling across the soft sediment floor five to six miles below the world’s deepest ocean. It’s a new species of shrimp and it’s been named Princaxelia jamiesoni after the scientist Dr Alan Jamieson from the Institute's Oceanlab who discovered it in trenches at the bottom of the North West Pacific Ocean. Link to University of Aberdeen news (3 Mar 2011).
Vice-Principal receives his OBE
Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice-Principal for Research and Commercialisation at the University of Aberdeen, received his OBE at last week's Royal Investiture at Buckingham Palace. He said at the time: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this, as everyone can imagine. My whole professional life has been in universities and research institutes and it has been a privilege to teach undergraduates and do research with postgraduates and other colleagues."
- Link to University of Aberdeen news (1 Mar 2011).
- Also link to University of Aberdeen news (12 June 2010).
New project to create northern safe haven for salmon, birds and water voles
A new wildlife conservation initiative aiming to protect nationally significant and economically important populations of salmon, water voles, and ground nesting birds like greenshank and lapwing, by creating a safe haven free of American mink in north Scotland is set to commence in April, it was announced today (1 February 2011).
Thanks to support from funders including Cairngorms, Highland, Moray, Rural Aberdeenshire and Rural Tayside LEADER Programmes 2007 and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) through the Species Action Framework, over £920,000 has now been raised to get the partnership initiative between Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS), Scottish Wildlife Trust, the University of Aberdeen, SNH and more than 16 other organisations, off the ground.
Led by a project coordinator, the project will build on previous projects — such as the success of work in the Cairngorms led by the Institute of Biological & Environmental Science’s Professor Xavier Lambin who is also invoved in this new project - and is set to appoint four regionally-based community officers covering the Highlands, rural Aberdeenshire, rural Tayside, and Moray and the Cairngorms.
- Link to University of Aberdeen News
- Link to BBC News - Science & Environment (including videoclip)
- Link to original article in Biological Conservation
Study gives new insights into links between estuary creatures and ecosystem
Creatures that live in the muddy sediments of estuaries have given Aberdeen scientists new insights into how critical the relationship between organisms, and the structure of the habitat they live in, is for the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem. Dr Jasmin Godbold, from the Institute's Oceanlab, led the research and Dr Martin Solan, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology, is one of the co-authors of the research.
University of Aberdeen news (12 Jan 11).
Genetic weapon developed against honeybee-killer
Researchers (led by Dr Alan Bowman from the University of Aberdeen and Dr Giles Budge from the National Bee Unit in York), have developed a genetic technique which could revitalise the fight against the honeybee's worst enemy - the Varroa mite. The Varroa mite, which looks like a tiny brown crab is believed to be the biggest global killer of honeybees.
Link to BBC Earth News and BBC Radio 4 interview (no longer available) with Dr. Alan Bowman.
University of Aberdeen news (22 Dec 10).
European Commission recognises University’s investment in researchers’ careers
The University of Aberdeen has been awarded the 'HR Excellence in Research' badge by the European Commission for its work to implement the UK Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. This makes the University one of only 23 institutions in the UK - and of only 15 in the rest of Europe - to have gained this recognition for commitment to ensuring good working conditions and career development for research staff.
Examples of this commitment include the Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences own RCUK fellows Dr. Steve Bird and Dr. Mirela Delibegovic, NERC Advanced Fellows Dr. Liz Baggs, Dr. Dave Johnson and Dr. Graeme Nicol, Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellow Dr. Sandra Telfer, Royal Society University Research Fellow Dr. Jane Reid and British Heart Foundation Intermediate Basic Research Fellow Dr. Nimesh Mody. Drs. Bird, Baggs and Johnson have completed their respective fellowships and are now lecturers within the School of Biological Sciences.
Link to University of Aberdeen news. (17 Dec 2010)
Researchers pinpoint ‘trigger’ mechanism which means animals are prepared for the season whatever the weather
Aberdeen scientists have identified the key trigger mechanism in the ‘internal clocks’ of animals which means they are prepared for the season whether snow comes in November or the sun shines in March.
The research team, led Dr Hugues Dardente and Professor David Hazlerigg at the University of Aberdeen, has pinpointed the ‘switch’ controlling seasonal hormone production, based on the changing daily cycle of light and darkness.
Link to University of Aberdeen news. (2nd Dec 2010)
Royal Society of Edinburgh International Exchange programme
Read excerpts from reports of International Exchange visits (Dr David Burslem, Plant Ecology) and Joint projects (Dr Jun Zou, Fish Immunology) supported by the RSE International Programme.
Link to RSE pdf document.
Full document available @ RSE newsletter/archive/Autumn2010.
Great white sharks in Mediterranean
Great white sharks found in the Mediterranean were originally from Australia, researchers have discovered. A navigational error, possibly by a few pregnant females, around 450,000 years ago during a time of global climate change, probably prompted them to take a ‘wrong turn’, according to research published today (Wednesday, November 17) in Proceedings of the Royal Society B led by Dr Les Noble and Dr Cathy Jones, shark geneticists from the Instiute of Biological & Environmental Sciences.
Researchers investigate what makes tree mallow turn nasty
Dr René van der Wal and Louise Ross, from the Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, are trying to find out why tree mallow — a close relative of attractive garden plant ‘Lavatera’— has become so invasive on seabird islands of the Firth of Forth, threatening Scottish puffins and other seabirds. Link to University of Aberdeen news (09 Nov 2010)
Scientists discover new species in one of world’s deepest ocean trenches
Scientists investigating in one of the world’s deepest ocean trenches — previously thought to be void of fish - have discovered an entirely new species. The findings by a team of marine biologists from our Oceanlab, Tokyo and New Zealand, have shed new light on life in the deepest places on Earth and the global distribution of fish in our oceans. Link to University of Aberdeen news (14 Oct 2010)
Web of parasite interactions uncovered, published in Science magazine
We live under constant assault from a variety of pathogens. Pathogen exposure will be more or less harmful depending on host factors, including immune status, and, as Dr Sandra Telfer and colleagues point out, the presence of co-infecting pathogens. In a time-series study of wild voles and four pathogens, co-infection had a larger effect on disease than any other factor. For example, infection with cowpox virus increased susceptibility and prolonged bacterial co-infections. Conversely, an ongoing infection with the bacterium Anaplasma reduced the rodents' susceptibility to the protozoan Babesia. In turn, chronic infection with Babesia limited susceptibilityto the bacterium Bartonella. (8 Oct 2010)
See article in Science magazine and Perspective by Kevin Lafferty.
Planet Earth online - news, from the Natural Environment Research Council
Iconic bottlenose dolphins add £4 million to Scottish economy, new report shows
The income from tourism spending in Scotland due to the presence of the east coast bottlenose dolphin population is at least £4 million, according to a new survey report published today by the Moray Firth Partnership.....The report findings are based on a survey of 529 visitors in east coast locations in 2009, and carried out by University of Aberdeen researchers based at the Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability (ACES). Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 Oct 2010)
Scientist appointed Editor-in-Chief of newly launched journal "Small GTPases"
Dr. Michael J. Williams of the Integrative Physiology theme has been appointed Editor-in-Chief "Small GTPases"journal . The newly launched journal covers a broad range of aspects concerning small GTPase research, such as the cell biology and biochemistry of small GTPases, their regulators and effectors in health and disease, and will aim to publish manuscripts at the forefront of the small GTPase field. Specific topics of focus include the structural biology of small GTPases, their biochemical regulation, as well as their individual and collective cell biological functions. Processes of major interest are cell migration, cell growth, cell division, metastasis, and host-pathogen interactions. Read more
Seeking new insights into the timing of salmon migration.
Two scientists from the Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Prof David Hazlerigg and Dr Sam Martin, and Dr Bill Jordan from London's Institute of Zoology are combining forces to investigate the control of salmon migration. The BBSRC and NERC are co-funding a new 4 year programme (£1.4M), entitled "The physiological and genomic basis to the timing of life history transitions in the Atlantic salmon". (24 Sept 2010)
The Atlantic salmon is regarded as a sentinel species of our fresh and marine water environment. For generations, people have been fascinated by their complex lifecycle during which juveniles migrate from their birthplaces in freshwater streams to distant ocean feeding grounds, and then return years later as adults to breed.
The juvenile migration takes place when 2-3 year old salmon "parr" have grown large enough to metamorphose into ocean- going, migratory "smolts". The timing of this change is crucial for survival, and is believed to depend on internal timing mechanisms synchronised by environmental signals, particularly day length. Different populations of salmon migrate at slightly different times depending on how far they are from the sea. This ensure they all arrive in the sea occurs in a narrow spring time-window, minimising predation losses. This demonstrates how subpopulations of salmon are locally adapted for their particular rivers.
Migration involves complex preparatory changes in physiology, controlled by a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary gland, and the olfactory system - through which salmon can "smell" their way home. The project will employ state of the art genomic technologies to understand how the hypothalamus controls the timing of the parr - smolt transition, and how it influences the function of the pituitary and olfactory system. The results from this work will help understand the biology of smolting in much greater detail than ever before. The project also involves collaborators working at Marine Scotland, who will provide salmon parr raised at their Almondbank hatchery.
School pupils get hands-on with science
Pupils from across Aberdeen city and shire, Moray and the Highlands are getting hands-on with science in the University of Aberdeen’s hi-tech laboratories. More than 250 Advanced Higher Biology students will take part in three days of workshops and lectures designed to give them a taste of life as a scientist, and student, within a university environment. Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 Sept 2010)
Secrets of the deep and food facts under the microscope
Scientists behind many ocean discoveries are giving the public the chance to check out some of the equipment that lets them explore the secrets of the deep. Oceanlab is just one of three University of Aberdeen facilities taking part in Techfest In September’s Technology at Work tours and visits. Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 Sept 2010)
Marine scientists return with rare creatures from the deep
Scientists from the University's Oceanlab have just returned from a voyage with samples of rare animals and more than 10 possible new species in a trip which they say has revolutionised their thinking about deep-sea life in the Atlantic Ocean. One group of creatures they observed - and captured - during their six weeks in the Atlantic aboard the RRS James Cook is believed to be close to the missing evolutionary link between backboned and invertebrate animals. Link to University of Aberdeen news (7 July 2010)
See previous story below (26 May 2010): ECOMAR blog from onboard the RRS James Cook heading towards the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
link to follow the ECOMAR blog.
UK science spotlights ocean acidification
The UK’s first research programme to investigate the impacts of ocean acidification has been launched involving 101 scientists from 21 of the UK’s top scientific institutions. Dr Martin Solan, from the University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab, is a task leader examining the effects of ocean acidification on an array of organisms that live in the seabed, including brittlestars, worms and clams. Link to University of Aberdeen news (23 June 2010)
Zoology Professor Receives OBE
Professor Dominic Houlihan, Vice-Principal for Research and Commercialisation (and formerly Professor in Zoology with research interests in fish growth and metabolism) at the University of Aberdeen, has been awarded an OBE in The Queen's Birthday Honours. Responding to the news of his honour, Professor Houlihan said: "I am absolutely thrilled to receive this, as everyone can imagine. Link to University of Aberdeen news (12 June 2010).
ECOMAR blog from onboard the RRS James Cook heading towards the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
On the 26th May 2010 a team from Oceanlab - Prof. Monty Priede, Dr Phil Bagley, Dr Mark Shields, Thom Linley and PhD student Jessica Craig boarded the RRS James Cook in St. John’s, Canada and set sail on Cruise JC048 towards the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Over the next few weeks you can gain an insight into what life at sea is like for a group of marine scientists studying deep-sea organisms found living in and around the Mid-Atlantic Ridge by clicking on the link and following the Blog page.
Award winning biologists explain ‘Darwin finch’ work
Two of the world’s foremost biologists — acclaimed for their work on Darwin’s finches on the Galapagos Islands — were at the University of Aberdeen on May 24, 2010. Professors Peter and Rosemary Grant — who won the hugely prestigious Kyoto prize for their research — gave a talk entitled Evolution and Speciation in Darwin’s Finches in the main lecture theatre of the University’s Zoology Building. Link to University of Aberdeen news (May 2010)
Fish farm size may not equate with environmental impact
Lead researcher, Dr Daniel Mayor from the Institute’s Oceanlab examined how the size of a fish farm relates to the size of its ‘environmental footprint’. They analysed data from 50 Scottish fish farms and found that larger fish farms do not necessarily have a greater effect on the sea floor than smaller fish farms. Link to University of Aberdeen news
Link to publication in scientific journal Environmental Science and Technology.
Aberdeen climate change expert to speak at post Copenhagen conference
New multi-million marine lab, Oceanlab 2, opens
January 2010 - The University of Aberdeen’s Oceanlab is already leading groundbreaking studies into the world’s oceans as well as providing information on marine life in waters around Scotland. Now Oceanlab 2 — a brand new complex next door to the original Oceanlab at Newburgh — will enable scientists to do much more to further our understanding of the marine environment.
Cabinet Secretary opens new multi-million marine lab
University of Aberdeen news
Multi-million marine lab opened
Scottish Government news
Oceanlab 2 to tackle acidification
The Press & Journal
Deep sea marine lab opens new facility
STV news
and
MACAULAY LAND USE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Scientists see if climate impacts on soil carbon emissions
Almost half a million pounds has been awarded to scientists to allow them to see if climate change could impact on the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) released from Europe's soils.
The Natural Environment Research Council grant will enable Professor David Robinson and Professor Pete Smith from the Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, and Professor Pete Millard and Dr Andy Midwood of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, to test if soils are likely to release more CO2 if Europe's climate changes.
Increases in atmospheric CO2 are a main driver of climate change, and a potentially large source of CO2 is in the organic matter in soil. If the climate warms up or becomes wetter, this could encourage soil microbes to produce more CO2 into the atmosphere. The researchers will use a novel technique developed at the Macaulay Institute. This technique detects minute changes in the composition of soil CO2.
Professor Robinson said: "These small changes can indicate if the CO2 is being released from young organic matter – mainly dead plant remains – or from much older material: so-called 'historical' soil organic matter.
"If CO2 produced from the old organic matter outstrips that taken up by vegetation, it will contribute to the continuing CO2 increases in the atmosphere. We need to know the climatic conditions when this is likely to occur.
"Until our colleagues developed their new technique, it was impossible to measure that source of CO2 reliably. Now we can." Soil provides a vast reservoir into which CO2 taken up from the atmosphere by living plants is transferred when they die, and where it can be stored as organic matter for thousands of years.
But when soil is disturbed during vegetation burning or clearing, or if soil microbes respond to warmer climates, the release of CO2 from the large underground carbon stores can increase.
Professor Millard added: "We're delighted to join forces with the University of Aberdeen on this important research project. Many people know that CO2 is released from cars and factories, but emissions from soil are also an important factor contributing to climate change."
The research team will visit forest sites in continental Europe during the next two years, from Italy to Finland, to measure CO2 emissions across the widest range of climatic conditions. The potential impact of their results will be analysed back in Aberdeen using computer models that predict possible future climates.
As well as telling us more about how Europe's soils interact with climate, the project will provide information to guide Scottish and UK governments' and EU efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
